By Joe Bachman

A 27-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman have been charged with burglary and possession of methamphetamine after police found a slew of stolen items and controlled substances in their possession.

Michael Pflager, of Nekoosa, and Jessica Wrzinski, of Beloit, are charged with burglary, possession of methamphetamine, criminal trespass, three counts of movable theft, and possession of THC.

According to police reports on May 14, officers were dispatched to a residence on the 4900 block of County Rd. F in the town of Sigel for a possible burglary. Police observed two individuals, identified as Pflager and Wrzinski, loading items into the back of a truck. Once the home had been investigated, police found that the residence had been broken into, and that several items in the home were moved to the front door.

The complainants caught wind of a possible break-in in their own home as they noticed a truck in their yard as they drove past on their way to a rummage sale. The items taken from the residence included a blue tarp and a large speaker.

While the investigation continued at this residence, Wisconsin Rapids police received a report of a theft on the 1500 block of Bonow Ave. in Wisconsin Rapids. The complainant told police that items had been allegedly taken from a shed in his backyard. Missing out of the shed was a five gallon gas jug, nuts and bolts, a Chineese 9mm pistol and other tools.

The truck used was inspected by investigators and registered to a family member of Pflager. She agreed to let him take the vehicle, however, she reported a laptop computer missing from her possession. Officers located the missing laptop in the truck.

During the search, officers also located a baggie with a white powdery substance believed to be methamphetamine. Also found was a Tupperware container with a leafy substance inside believed to be marijuana.

According to Wrzinski, her and Pflager were just “looking around” the residence they were found in, but that she didn’t intend on taking anything. She later admitted to taking various items such as bike parts and cabinets to use as scrap. Wrzinksi also admitted the laptop to belong to Pflager’s family member.

According to Pflager, the two were just looking around and did not admit to taking anything off of the property. He assumed the property was abandoned, and since nobody lived there that he could take the items.

If convicted, both face up to 12 years imprisonment and up to $25,000 in fines for charges of burglary, and three years and six months imprisonment for charges of methamphetamine possession. Their pre-trial conference is scheduled for Jul. 8.

They are both currently out on bond.